Heather's Thingies Blog

How you can help the Red River Crash Survivors...

by Heather Rivera,posted Mar 13 2014 1:05PM

Update Monday 3/17:
Unfortunately Sandy Le (26)/ATX passed away w/ her family by her side in the hospital. She was listend in critical condition since Thursday. Sandy will be the 3rd death due to the horrific event on Red River on Thursday. There are 22 injured w/ 6 still in the hospital w/ one of them still listed in critical condition. You can help Sandy's family w/ medical costs by either donationing here or SXSW Cares will also help. RIP to Sandy Le (26), Stephen Craenmehr /cyclist from the Netherlands (35) & Jamie West (27)/ Austin/ who was riding on a moped w/ her husband at the time.

Update 9:30pm:

RIP- 35-year old Stephen Craenmehr /cyclist from the Netherlands & Jamie West/ Austin female on the moped
-The names of all of the injured can be found here.
-SXSW has set up a fund, SXSW Cares, to assist the victims. Donations can be made here.Click here for more411!

It's so hard to wrap my head around this. Out having fun and end up getting run down by a car. It makes my stomach hurt thinking about it, and my heartbreak for those who lost their loved ones, and others who have been injured by the actions of one person. The suspect could have been drunk, tests are out on that,and it seemed like a much better idea to him to plow into a crowd to getaway killing 2 and injuring 23 (w/ some of the injured fighting for their lives and others w/ major injuries). 21 year old Rashad Charjuan Owens/Killeen is in police custody/arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder and 23 counts of aggravated assault with a vehicle. Your out having fun on minute and the next bam.... It really does show how precious life is and how we need to cherish each moment, because you never know what can happen.

The 2 who died.. A female from Austin on a moped. The male on the moped is in stable condition. The other who lost his life on the scene was a cyclist from the Netherlands. MassiveMusic put a post on their Facebook page in honor of him saying it was 35 year old Stephen Craenmehr, who has worked for them for 8 years. MM called Stephen an 'unstoppable force, full of life, love and laughter.' https://www.facebook.com/Mix947Austin?ref=hl#!/massivemusicagency?hc_location=timeline

Some of the injured are critical/serious. There are 2 fighting for their lives w/ SERIOUS HEAD INJURIES. There are 8 still in the hospital. The others have serious spinal and leg injuries. Thoughts & prayers to all affected by this tragedy.

With that thought, there is a way to help the survivors. The Blood Center of Central Texas is asking for Blood. They had MANY UNITS go to area hospitals. Their supply was low to begin w/ and now even lower, especially for O positve & negative. You can Walk-in or call for an appointment 512- 206-1266. More on www.inyourhands.org

Austin police are asking witnesses to call police at 512-974-5186. Those checking on loved ones can call the Red Cross at 800-928-4271 or go here.

SXSW Managing Director Roland Swenson says this is the first tragedy like this to occur during the festival's 27 years. He says the festival will continue as scheduled for the rest of the day. The Mohawk and Cheer Up Charlie's are discussing how to proceed.

When asked about Lady Gaga's show, which is scheduled for Stubb's Thursday night, Swenson said it would cause more problems to move the show to another venue.